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05 September 2012

Seventh Generation Volkswagen Golf revealed

After numerous fake "first photo" made their way into internet, the real deal finally has been unravelled. Volkswagen has lifted the lid of the new Volkswagen Golf in Berlin yesterday. The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf aimed to bring in the new level of comfort, practicality, safety and efficiency to its class. In the span of 36 years in which over 29 million unit has been sold, Volkswagen Golf continues to be the benchmark of the class, where every C Segment hatchback in the world is judged against.

In the span of 36 years also, Volkswagen Golf has grown tremendously in size. The seventh generation measures 4,255mm long, 1,799mm wide and 1,452mm tall. It is 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than the sixth generation. The wheebase has grown 59mm to 2,637mm. Better shaping of external bodies has resulted in 10% improvement in drag coefficient, which now stands at 0.27.

The styling of the new Golf is best described as evolutionary. It incorporates the latest Volkswagen design language, consisting of similar silhouette interpretation of headlight, grille and bumper geometry similar to any new Volkswagen on the market today. You can say it is derived from the Passat, Jetta or Polo, and you are definitely not wrong.

What stays true to authentic Golf is the side profile where the rich cabin length is ended by thick upright C-pillar which has been like that for generations. The rear end also adopt the sharper approach like the front, with slimmer rear light that is perfectly and completely flush with the body. It can be said that, like the rest of new Volkswagen, the seventh Golf is an epitome of clean body surfacing, with enough surface curvature and crisp radiusing to impart a highly stretched-look. The integration of the exterior body panel has an exemplary panel fit, a perfect shut line that has grown to be almost daily ritual of VAG family member.

The new seventh generation Volkswagen Golf utilised the MQB modular platfrom, which is destinated to underpinned everything from supermini to the large sedan. Despite the growing dimension, the new Golf is lighter than the car it replaced, up to 100kg depending on variant. With Volkswagen ability to optimize the body structure (no less thanks to the advancement in computer simulation) which combats the increase in mass usually associated with the enlarged structure, the new Golf is roomier than ever.

Rear legroom is 15mm longer, despite the 20mm rearward shift in front seat placement. Shoulder and elbow room has been increased up to 30mm thanks to the wider cabin. Up to 2,412mm of length can be accommodated in the cabin if the front passenger seat is folded. Boot volume is 380L, some 30L more than before.

Another dramatic departure is the interior design. While the interior of Volkswagen Golf is typically sombre place to be, it is the astonishing fitting and material quality that stunned the buyer. The new Golf should be more or less similar, despite the apparent arising material cost. The interior theme is in tandem with the latest of Volkswagen offering such as the Volkswagen UP, with the coloured insert within the console and the dash. In Golf however, it is piano black. High gloss. Or there is also a silver insert. Your pick. In any case, it is said the material reeks premium in its touch. Soft padded, metallic accent finely lining the gear console and buttons are all the luxury trappings that will uplift the ambiance even in the base model.

Engine choice are aplenty, like the current Golf. Among the engines are 1.2L TSI (84hp and 4.9L/100km), 1.4L TSI (138hp and 4.8L/100km) which can deactivate two cylinders. The diesel variety starts with 1.6L (104hp and 3.8L/100km) and 2.0L (148hp and 4.1L/100km). All engines comes start/stop technology and brake energy recuperation. Transmission option covers 6 speed manual and 6 and 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

In an effort to combat the rising cost, Volkswagen has elected to equip the cheapest model with the torsion beam suspension in companion with McPhersons strut at the front. Higher-priced model however gets the multi-link rear suspension.

At launch, only the 5 door hatchback is available. Later in the life cycle, the typical body styles will be offered such as 3 door hatchback, Golf Plus sub-MPV as well as the convertible. Some more photos can be found after the jump.